Statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s move to cut carbon pollution from coal plants

Statement from Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s move to cut carbon pollution from coal plants Toronto, ON – It is a monumental day in climate history when the United States announces plans for a major reduction in global warming pollution from coal plants. The U.S. is one of the planet’s largest greenhouse gas emitters and the world has been waiting decades for this kind of action. These new rules, poised to reduce emissions from coal plants by 30 per cent over the next six years, send a clear signal that the U.S. is finally taking its responsibility to act on climate change seriously. Now it’s time for Canada to follow suit. Coal fired power plants are the largest source of carbon pollution in the U.S. and Canada’s insistence on a harmonized approach means that we need to move now to reign in our largest and fastest growing source of carbon pollution – the tar sands. We should all celebrate this U.S. action taken for the sake of our shared climate. With climate change hitting harder around the world, and with impacts being felt in our own backyards, there should be no more excuses at home. It is high time for Canada to step up, do what is right, and stop the soaring pollution of the tar sands. This historic step from the U.S. also has the potential to break the deadlock that has hindered global action on climate change for years. This action should prompt other major emitters such as China to rise to the challenge of steering the world away from catastrophic climate change. Canada can either lead or be dragged along in this global shift towards a safer, cleaner, low carbon economy. About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all. -30- For more information or media requests, please contact: Stephanie Kohls, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 232, 647-280-9521, skohls@environmentaldefence.ca